Elko approves $10,000 purchase of semiquincentennial sculpture; city honors local artists

The Elko City Council on Dec. 9 approved an agreement to purchase a semiquincentennial sculpture from Great Basin College for $10,000, with the Elko County Commission contributing an additional $10,000 toward the project. Great Basin College representatives described plans to involve students in fabrication and to add interpretive panels.

During the same meeting the city presented the mayor’s arts awards to several local artists and organizations. The awards recognized public-art contributions by Alyssa Compton (mural work and owner of Black Cat Chalk Art and Murals), the Elko County Art Club, Catherine Lines (service to the arts and local architect), Victoria Jackson (arts education and Shoshone language preservation), and Laura C. Debaca (theater and dance education).

College representatives described the planned sculpture as approximately 5 feet wide and about 10 feet high (a little less than 10 feet in final form), with lighting to illuminate pierced keywords in the evening; some etching work will be outsourced to partner firms because of equipment limitations. Staff said the sculpture must be installed by July for the semiquincentennial celebration.

The council voted to approve the art purchase agreement. Separately, awards highlighted the city’s continuing support for public art and arts education, and recipients said they appreciated community backing and volunteer efforts that helped bring projects to life.